An employer must give employees a ‘written statement of employment particulars’ if their employment contract lasts at least a month or more. This isn’t an employment contract but will include the main conditions of employment. The employer must provide the written statement within 2 months of the start of employment. If an employee works abroad…
Some employers have in place a Severe Weather and Disruption to Travel Policy, or contractual clauses within the Employment Contract, that outline what to do in such circumstances. However, for those that do not, several factors may need to be considered. Withholding pay when an employee cannot get into work for example, can be an…
An employee can self-certify absence for the first 7 days of sickness, but a doctor’s certificate (i.e. a Fit Note) should be provided by the employee for longer periods of absence. If an employee is absent without a fit note – where they have been sick for more than 7 days, the employer may be…
…and other HR TIPS to help employers avoid issues during the Christmas Season Communicate any compulsory closing dates to employees early in the year – as this can affect annual leave entitlements Review annual leave entitlements for the year and ensure employees have taken their full leave entitlement or, whether they are allowed (in line…
Problems can arise in any workplace and for varying reason. Making sure they’re dealt with fairly and consistently can necessitate a full investigation. A properly conducted investigation allows employer to fully consider the facts and then make an informed decision on next steps. Key points An investigation is a fact-finding exercise to collect all relevant…
Although more employers are offering flexible working as an option for their workforce to assist in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, there is a statutory process that needs to be followed. To be eligible to make a flexible working request, employees must have at least 26 weeks service as an employee and are only entitled…
A fixed-term contract will usually terminate at a specified date, or on the occurrence of a specified event, such as the completion of a project or task. Under these circumstances, employees are not entitled to the statutory minimum notice, although best practice is to provide notice wherever possible. Breach of Contract will occur if an…
Given the number of hours spent together at work, it’s inevitable that romantic relationships will occur between colleagues. This can distort the lines on professionalism at work and raises concern in employers about the effect romantic relationships can have on the workplace. However, legally there are no laws around preventing office romances and it’s therefore…
If an employee is called up for Jury Service then employers are required to allow time off to complete the required Jury Service. However, employers can request that jury service is postponed where absence would have a serious effect on business. In addition, there is no legal obligation on employers to pay employees during jury…
Reputational damage, drunken tweets, or an unsavoury Instagram photograph let loose on the world in the small wee hours, are all common themes in today’s social media world. Although employers may not access an employee’s social accounts, if an employee is openly representing your organisation, you can have some say in what is considered appropriate…